Why do some people prefer to run at night?

The city is falling asleep, and the nite-runners – night runners – are waking up. It turns out that running after sunset has many benefits – not for nothing did Mike Tyson run until dawn every day.

nite-runner enthusiast

Talks about why and how you should run at night.

Why run at night and what are the benefits?

Just imagine: all around is silence, there is only you and the open sky. Do you agree, there is some adventurism in it? But, no matter how romantic it sounds, many people are driven to night running by hopelessness. Some can not get up early in the morning, others are late returning from work, others wait until it gets cooler. I, for example, like to run at night, because it is a good opportunity to relax after a day’s work, to be alone with myself and think about the events that have happened.

Toward evening the body is already in “working” mode – and this is the advantage of night jogging. This means that during the day the body has warmed up, joints and muscles have become more flexible, blood circulation has accelerated. The trick of night running is that in the dark it is more difficult to estimate your own speed, so it will be easier to run long distances.

Plus, running raises your body temperature and lowers your blood pressure, which is calming – you’ll sleep better.

Night jogging relieves stress accumulated during the day, helps to stretch after sitting. In the evening, the body uses oxygen better, so you can run more. But in general, it is better to run when it is comfortable. If you are a lark, run in the morning.

What senses are involved when running in the dark?

Eyes work less in the dark and this enhances hearing and touch. We feel the movement of the wind more strongly, the ground beneath our feet. We are also less distracted and more focused on our senses.

But running in total darkness is still not worth it – if possible, choose lighted places and flat paths. After all, in the night can meet inadequate individuals or dangerous animals.

Tips for those who plan to run at night:

1. First of all, even if you are running in the city, I recommend bringing a flashlight. Not all paths come lit. I once missed a snag in the dark and fell. Knight-runners run with head flashlights – they free up your hands and don’t get in the way of running.
2. It gets cold at night, so dress for the weather and bring a sweatshirt and rain jacket just in case.
3. To avoid blending in with the darkness, wear clothing with reflective materials – this will at least keep you safe from collisions with cars, cyclists and other runners.
4. Another important thing is sneakers with good cushioning. Visibility in the dark is limited, so it will be very easy not to notice a hole and stumble.
5. It is better to refuse headphones – the lack of environmental sounds will confuse you. After all, in the case of barking dogs, car signals and bicycles, you need to be alert.
6. If possible, run in a group – there will be less chance of getting off route or lost.
7. Make sure you do a good joint warm-up before you run – in the dark, there is a greater risk of stumbling or twisting your leg.